By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
IN CHRIS Frazer’s Beatleseque world, there is no such thing as a non-Beatles fan.
“Are there people who have heard The Beatles and not been a fan?” Frazer asks quite reasonably.
It’s part of the enduring popularity of the fab four that keeps fans coming back to relive the glory days with the Fabulous Beatle Boys.
Frazer, who morphs into John Lennon, said it was like reanimating the life and times of The Beatles and recapturing the excitement of the unique connection they had with audiences.
“We never do anything by halves and we spend every ounce of ourselves in the pursuit of this every time we step on stage,” Frazer emphasised.
“It’s our thing and it’s all fuelled by the love of the music and what we do.”
It began for Frazer at the tender age of four.
“It was Octopus’s Garden for me. Age four, game over,” he said.
“When I picked up a guitar and started writing music it was always with a thought in back of my head that I wanted to be them.
“I wanted to see the world through their eyes and get a taste of what it was like to hold the world in your hand.”
For Frazer, performing in a Beatles tribute band is more than just a matter of copying the Lennon stage presence. He shares an unusual connection with his musical alter ego.
“It is funny that when you see Lennon on stage he often appears like he was just hanging out and that he was a little disconnected.
“The truth is, it was because he was short-sighted and could not really see what was going on. The result is he has no fear.
“Luckily, I’m also short sighted, so the moment I take my glasses off I lose my cares and let go. What’s left is just the rock ‘n’ roll and the buzz of it all and your best mates there with you.
“It also doesn’t hurt playing the same guitars, amps, wearing the same suit and shoes that he did 50 years ago to the day. When I gear up I am Lennon.”
Frazer felt a responsibility to The Beatles legacy.
“The Beatles were and remain the best band that’s been for personality, smarts, blend, song-craft and musical ability. Every muso now rides in their wake.
“They also knew that what they were doing would be listened to for all time. They turned simple songs into recording art, which is hard to match.
“I never tire of listening to The Beatles.”
The Fabulous Beatle Boys play Geelong Performing Arts Centre next Friday.
